First Online: 12 April 2016Received: 23 December 2015Accepted: 22 March 2016

Abstract

BackgroundCardiovascular magnetic resonance CMR reference ranges have not been well established in Chinese. Here we determined normal cardiac and aortic reference ranges in healthy Singaporean Chinese and investigated how these data might affect clinical interpretation of CMR scans.

MethodsIn 180 healthy Singaporean Chinese 20 to 69 years old; males, n = 91, comprehensive cardiac assessment was performed using the steady state free precision technique 3T Ingenia, Philips and images were analysed by two independent observers CMR42, Circle Cardiovascular Imaging. Measurements were internally validated using standardized approaches: left ventricular mass LVM was measured in diastole and systole with and without papillary muscles and stroke volumes were compared in both ventricles. All reference ranges were stratified by sex and age; and -indeterminate-borderline- regions were defined statistically at the limits of the normal reference ranges. Results were compared with clinical measurements reported in the same individuals.

ResultsLVM was equivalent in both phases mean difference 3.0 ± 2.5 g; P = 0.22 and stroke volumes were not significantly different in the left and right ventricles P = 0.91. Compared to females, males had larger left and right ventricular volumes P 0.05 for all measures. In both sexes, age correlated negatively with left and right ventricular volumes; and positively with aortic sinus and sinotubular junction diameters P ConclusionsComprehensive sex and age-corrected CMR reference ranges at 3T have been established in Singaporean Chinese. This is an important step for clinical practice and research studies of the heart and aorta in Asia.